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Vehicle Shipping Tips

Tips for a great car shipping experience

Sherpa aims to deliver a better vehicle shipping experience for all of our valued clients – snowbirds making their biannual north-south journeys, families making momentous cross-country moves, auto collectors traveling to the next big show, and car buyers scouring the country for the best deal for their desired vehicle and shipping themselves their new prize.

A carrier completing a Bill of Lading in front of a white car.

Here are some tips for a smooth, seamless auto shipping experience:

Before pickup day

1. Give your vehicle a quick checkup.
There are a few things our professional carriers need from you before they take possession of your vehicle:

  • Gather keys to vehicle, including for gas cap and trunk if required
  • Inform us of any aftermarket modifications
  • Gas tank ¼ to ½ full
  • Good tire pressure
  • Working driver’s door and window
  • Working brakes
  • Charged battery
  • No leaks

2. Limit and stow your personal belongings.
Your shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the trunk area or below the window line. 

3. Remove accessories and aftermarket parts.
It’s worth taking time to remove or disconnect exterior appendages and interior accessories that could be damaged during loading or transit:

  • Turn off all alarm systems
  • Remove non-retractable antennae
  • Remove dash-mounted and interior aftermarket accessories
  • Take down luggage, ski and bike racks
  • Don’t forget to grab your garage door opener, music collection and other personal items. Yes, even your toll transponder (e.g., EZ Pass).

On pickup day

4. Confirm delivery-day contact information.
You’ll review paperwork when the carrier picks up your car, confirm the delivery address, and provide the name and contact information for the person who will receive the car at its destination. It’s a good idea to supply more than one phone number.

5. Take note of your vehicle’s condition.
The hand-chosen carrier will walk around your vehicle with you to note all existing damage to your car’s exterior. It’s always a good idea to take photos or video of the vehicle on pickup day to have an additional record of its condition at hand-off. Be sure to ask the driver for a copy of the Bill of Lading.

6. Sit back and relax!
Your vehicle is in the hands of experienced professionals who will transport it with meticulous care, safely and in a timely manner.

On delivery day

7. Perform a careful inspection. 
We are confident that we offer the highest level of service in the auto transport industry, and you should carefully inspect your vehicle upon its arrival. Review the Bill of Lading and compare notes with the pictures you snapped on pickup day. We trust you will find that your car has been shipped with impeccable care and attention to detail. Take time to assure yourself that your vehicle has arrived undamaged. In the unlikely event that your vehicle has been damaged, be sure it is clearly noted on the Bill of Lading.

8. Sign off and enjoy your ride! 
When you are fully satisfied with your vehicle’s condition at arrival, your professional auto transporter will ask you to sign the Bill of Lading and pay the remaining balance confirming successful delivery.

9. Treat yourself to a car wash on us.
With our Clean Car Guarantee, you can get your car washed for free. Get your car cleaned within seven days of arrival and we’ll reimburse you (up to $20) for the expense. Learn more about our Clean Car Guarantee here.

Don’t forget that you can call our knowledgeable staff at any point during the auto transport process. We are happy to answer questions about preparing to ship your vehicle and we’ll stand by you from pickup day through delivery day, ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Ready To Ship Your Car?

Call us at 877-850-1231